Anime openings: the first thing we all see when starting a new anime. With my short attention span, a good opening is CRUCIAL. If the opening doesn’t capture my attention in the first 5 seconds, the probability of me skipping it is 99%. Therefore, I will provide you with my list of “unskippable” openings. Be it by how iconic they are, or just because their music is amazing, they deserve a spot on this list!
1. Naruto Shippuden Opening 3, “Blue Bird”
“Blue Bird” by Ikimono-gakari is the third opening of Naruto Shippuden. Now, I don’t think there’s a person in the anime community who hasn’t heard this song at least once (and if you haven’t…what are you doing? Get to it!). I’ll be honest, not even I can remember how I found this song, but I did! Naruto Shippuden is known for having amazing openings (considering the multiple openings presented throughout the show), but this one is a shining gem amongst many. It represents the bond between Naruto and Sasuke, and how each of them has taken their own individual paths.
2. Angel Beats, “My Soul, Your Beats”
“My Soul, Your Beats” by Lia is an opening that stayed with me years after I finished Angel Beats. There’s just something about it that stays with you. In a sense, it really describes the story of the anime. The fact that Kanade is playing the song’s piano accompaniment brings it all together.
3. Evangelion, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”
Confession: I skipped this opening every single time. I deserve an Angel appearing in my house for this, I know. But clearly, I’ve since seen the light, due to it finally qualifying to appear on this list. “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” by Yoko Takahashi is a timeless gem. The song is an ode to growing up. It guides you through a journey. Not only that, but have you heard the chorus and the instrumental background throughout the whole song? It’s impossible not to dance to it!
4. Code Geass, “COLORS”
Code Geass’ first opening is truly the best compared to the rest in the series. Performed by the band FLOW, “COLORS” really resonates with Lelouch’s duality. Visually, it might seem like your average opening, but it does a great job of displaying the characters visually to the audience. It shows the fact that Lelouch is in a struggle, and introduces the opposing sides, The Black Knights and Britannia. The song is essentially the representation of a war cry, showing what’s about to come.
5. Lucky Star, “Motteke! Sailor Fuku”
Now, would this be a true anime list without the queens of the Slice of Life genre? No, it would not. Yes, the song is just basically high school girls singing nonsense and being cute living their best life; as they should. It’s an instant serotonin boost: simple and to the point, without any further explanation needed.
6. Death Parade, “Flyers”
If you’ve ever seen this anime, you know that the opening is a total contrast to the actual story; which is precisely why it’s so goodーbut no spoilers, of course! Performed by the band BRADIO, “Flyers” is the opening of Death Parade. The opening itself hits all the right points. It’s visual perfection, while the song just emphasizes that feeling. The audience is shown all the characters having an amazing time. It introduces the setting of the world and its purpose, while also sprinkling a few clues… all in one minute and nineteen seconds.
7. Beastars, “Wildside”
Beastars may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the opening should definitely be! The song is “Wild Side” by ALI, and it’s a jazzy number that’ll make you dance just like the characters themselves. Even with its unique plot, the opening itself is eccentric; all done in stop-motion animation.
8. Cardcaptor Sakura, “Catch You Catch Me”
This one has become a recent personal favorite! The opening sequence will forever remain iconic. What’s more is, it’s just a song that makes you want to sing along and bounce to the beat just like Sakura. Because it’s very catchy, I’ll give it a 10/10.
9. Ouran High School Host Club, “Sakura Kiss”
Kiss, kiss, fall in love! If only that were true, but one thing is: how good this opening is. Ouran High School Host Club was one of the first anime I ever watched, and this opening will always be one of my favorites. The animation style slightly deviates from the actual anime, but it’s just cuter. It also describes the plot to a T, and who doesn’t love seeing the boys fawning over our non-binary icon, Haruhi Fujioka?
10. Tokyo Ghoul, “Unravel”
Would this be a true anime opening list without the most memeable opening of all time? Of course not; thus last but not least, “Unravel” by TK. If we ignore that fact, the song is amazing, and it truly never gets old. The part with Rie when the beat drops and the colors splash behind her? Gets me every time. The opening is one of the few things the animated adaptation got right, and that is a fact!
That’s all there is to it! Of course, some openings are missing. Like the Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood opening, or even Attack on Titan’s “Shinzou Sazage Wo”. With all the amazing anime series that exist, it’s hard to just choose ten of their openings! If you think I missed one, please let me know your favorites!